2023 Proves to be an Exciting Year at PHX
As 2023 ended, the activity at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport did not show any signs of slowing down. In fact, the entire year was comprised of new record-setting milestones as well as the breaking of old records in air travel service. All this activity generated a momentum that’s taken us into the new year. Let’s take a quick look back and highlight some of these important moments.
On Monday, Feb. 13, more than 200,000 passengers came through the airport. This was the day after Super Bowl LVII and it immediately became the single busiest day in Phoenix Sky Harbor’s history. The airport worked closely with the airlines and other stakeholders to prepare for the entire week leading up to the big game. Combined with the Super Bowl, the Valley of the Sun also welcomed visitors coming in for the WM Phoenix Open, contributing to these record numbers.
The airport set a new milestone last summer by hosting the first ever Dementia Friendly Air Travel Workshop. The highly acclaimed workshop brought together representatives from the airport, airlines, and TSA to share information and tips while answering questions from family members of those with dementia and care providers. The workshop was so successful that another was held early in 2024, with plans to continue offering more in the future.
The airport’s hard work was acknowledged with a slew of industry awards and recognition throughout the year, topping off 2023 when Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was once again named the top airport in the nation among large airports by the Wall Street Journal. Our high scores in the Wall Street Journal’s Annual Airports Ranking Study were derived from factors including having the fewest flight cancellations, excellent taxi out time, and affordable rideshare fees.
Our partner airlines played a big role in making this possible, enhancing air service in 2023 by creating more service routes, including American Airlines offering 263 average daily flights to 94 destinations as the winter season approached. This marked the airline’s largest schedule at Phoenix Sky Harbor in nearly a decade. Across the board, we had 21 new destinations and two new international carriers. This along with the opening of new shops and restaurants in the Eighth Concourse at Terminal 4 contributed to the high marks, customer satisfaction, and industry recognition.
More shops and restaurants will open this year, enhancing the travel experience for all our valued customers. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is revved up and ready for 2024, and we are excited for what is to come as we continue providing stellar service to our partner airlines and customers.